Vacations Blog

Now that Inverness is no longer a town (it’s a city) Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands of Scotland. The town is an incredibly popular tourist center with a great many folk appearing to go hill walking on Ben Nevis. In the article below I take a look at three different places well worth a visit if you are taking a vacation in Fort William.

The Incredibly Interesting West Highland Museum

Founded in 1922 was the West Highland Museum in Fort William. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The present building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and is located in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Fascinating and small is how many people describe the museum. The exhibits in the museum present a fascinating insight into the way of life in the West Highlands throughout the years. Folk from all walks of life are represented, through the superb collections of artefact’s, picture’s and photograph’s

The Bold Old Inverlochy Castle

In fort William there are two Inverlochy Castle’s, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the new Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, built in nearby Torlundy (which is now a luxurious hotel). The Old castle was rumoured to of been erected between 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Although the castle is in ruins, the layout hasn’t changed very much since it was first built. Lord Abinger carried out alterations and enhancements to the house, in preparation of a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle is still an important part of English and Scottish history, due to the part it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.

The Exquisite Jacobite Steam Train

A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an exhilarating way to explore the breathtaking scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the Mallaig journey takes one on a magical ride through the glens. One of the most sensational parts of the journey is going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which most folk|people will recognize due to the fact that it was used in the Harry Potter films. The 84 mile trip takes you past Loch Morar, Loch Nevis and Ben Nevis, with a break in Glenfinnan before arriving in Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to explore Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has often been declared, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the planet.

There is plenty of accommodation in Fort William available to book online but you will find a comprehensive list of hotels in Fort William at http://www.fortwilliamhotelscotland.com/